"Take Pity" is a short story by renowned American author Bernard Malamud. The story centers around a struggling father who, despite his best efforts, can't seem to provide for his family. As he takes stock of his situation, the man desperately seeks a way out of his predicament.
Characters
Take Pity tells the story of a Jewish man, Mr. George Weisberg, who is
struggling to make ends meet. He lives in a small one-bedroom apartment with
his wife and two children. His wife works hard to keep the family afloat, but
the bills just keep coming in. Mr. Weisberg works hard as a tailor, but his clients can't afford to pay him
and he is forced to take out loans from an unscrupulous loan shark. Eventually,
he finds himself in so much debt that he is unable to pay his rent. Desperate,
he visits the synagogue and begs God for help.
The story also follows the actions of the rabbi of the synagogue. Despite his
generous nature, he is forced to choose between helping Mr. Weisberg or
following his own religious beliefs. As he weighs his options, he must also
consider his own financial well-being and reputation in the community.
Finally, the story explores the themes of poverty and religion. The reader is
left to ponder the question of whether we should show compassion to those in
need or be guided by our beliefs in deciding how to act.
Themes
In Bernard Malamud’s short story “Take Pity”, several important themes are
explored. One of the main themes is the idea of redemption. Throughout the
story, we see how Jakob Konig is seeking redemption for his previous actions
and trying to do something good with his life. He tries to pay off the debt he
owes his former employer, even though it may not benefit him directly. This
shows that Jakob has a sense of guilt about his past and is trying to make up
for it in some way.
Another important theme in this story is the idea of fate. We see throughout
the story how Jakob is unable to escape his destiny, no matter how hard he
tries. This is represented by his inability to pay off his debt and his doomed
relationship with Marisha. This theme suggests that while we can try to alter
our paths, our fates are ultimately predetermined and out of our control.
The third major theme in “Take Pity” is the idea of family. Jakob’s
relationship with his father-in-law and his young son illustrate the importance
of familial relationships, and show how they can be both a source of joy and a
burden. The story also examines how family can be a source of redemption and
understanding, with Jakob’s father-in-law offering him understanding and
compassion despite their differences.
In conclusion, “Take Pity” is a powerful story that examines many important
themes, such as redemption, fate, and family. By exploring these themes,
Malamud creates a powerful tale of one man’s struggle to make peace with his
past and find happiness in the present.
Plot
Take Pity by Bernard Malamud is a short story about an
elderly man, Mr. Glicksberg, who is going through a difficult time. He has
recently lost his wife, and he is struggling to deal with his loneliness and
his newfound financial troubles. One day, he goes out for a walk and meets an old acquaintance, Sam Weintraub. The two men catch up on each other’s lives, and Sam offers Mr. Glicksberg a job working as a watchman at a nearby warehouse.
Mr. Glicksberg takes the job, but soon discovers that the
warehouse is haunted by a ghostly figure. He becomes frightened and calls his friend Sam for help. Sam comes to his aid, but the ghost continues to haunt Mr.Glicksberg during his night shifts. Eventually, Mr. Glicksberg realizes that the ghost is actually his deceased wife. He talks to her and reconciles with her before she disappears forever.
The next morning, Mr. Glicksberg meets with Sam and tells him
about his experience with the ghost. Sam tells him that it was his wife’s way
of saying goodbye and thanking him for taking care of her in life. Sam then
reveals that he had paid Mr. Glicksberg’s rent, so that he would not be forced to leave his home. Touched by Sam’s kindness, Mr. Glicksberg is comforted by the knowledge that his wife is at peace and his financial troubles are over.
Analysis
Take Pity by Bernard Malamud is a short story that captures
the bittersweetness of life. The story follows an unnamed protagonist who, in the opening scene, finds himself in a strange land filled with people who seem to be looking for something he doesn't have. He soon learns that these people are searching for pity. The protagonist does not know what pity is, but he quickly learns how powerful it can be.
The protagonist's journey to discover pity begins when he
meets the old man and his daughter, Zosha. Zosha teaches him about the power of pity, and helps him realize that it is something he needs in order to survive.
In the end, he comes to understand that life is full of both sorrow and joy,
and that sometimes all we need is a little bit of understanding and compassion.
The story serves as a reminder that empathy and kindness can
go a long way, even if it is just in small acts. Malamud does a wonderful job
illustrating the power of empathy and how it can change someone's outlook on life.
The theme of compassion also carries through the story, as
the protagonist learns that it is important to show compassion to those around him, even if they do not appear to deserve it. He realizes that everyone has a different journey in life and that we should treat everyone with respect, regardless of their situation.
Ultimately, Take Pity is a thought-provoking story that
emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding. Through its exploration of the protagonist's journey to discover the power of pity, Malamud offers readers an important reminder that compassion can make all the difference in one's life.
0 Comments